Stuffed figure with storage receptacles

ABSTRACT

An instrument container in the shape of a stuffed animal, such as (but not limited to) an octopus, spider, or crab. The container is comprised of a body stuffed with a yieldable material. The body is configured with a plurality of appendages having receptacles for holding a plurality of writing instruments or the like. The body of the stuffed figure also includes a storage cavity secured by releasable fasteners, such as interlocking VELCRO fasteners. The stuffed figure may be attached to a school bag or other source. An elastic wrist fastener is also provided. The stuffed figure may be provided in various sizes to accommodate the different uses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEASRCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of stuffed animals and the like, and in particular, to a stuffed animal or other figure with receptacles for holding, storing, and transporting crayons or other writing instruments. While stuffed animals have provided comfort to small children and opportunities for playtime exploration, it would be desirable to have them perform other functions. Storage and transportation of crayons has long been problematic. Cardboard containers do not provide effective or long-term storage. Children, also, tend to lose or misplace their crayons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a storage container in the shape of a stuffed figure, such as a stuffed animal with plural appendages. The head or body of the figure includes a storage cavity. Depending from the head are a plurality of appendages, at least one of which has a receptacle for storing an instrument, such as a crayon. One embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated and described, is shown in the form of a simulated octopus; however, this invention could be adapted to a wide variety of figures.

This invention offers an attractive and substantial holder for storing and transporting instruments such as crayons, and other instruments. For example, when the receptacles are used to store colored crayons, the appendages and/or receptacles, may be color-coded to facilitate the replacement of the crayons and offer one-to-one color matching. The receptacles may be designed to hold one large crayon (suitable for younger children) or two crayons (suitable for older children).

The stuffed figure can be attached to a school bag, wrist or belt. The storage cavity in the head provides additional storage space for items such as lunch money, sharpener, keys or other items selected by the child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING In the accompanying drawings,

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention placed on a flat surface in the form of a simulated octopus figure with appendages containing receptacles for writing instruments.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention similar to FIG. 1 except with a top storage cavity opened.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention showing the opened material strips with interlocking VELCRO for attachment to a crib, book bag, belt or other source.

FIG. 4 is view showing the invention attached to the wrist or upper arm with an elastic band underneath (not shown).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of the invention in the form of a stuffed octopus 10 placed on a flat surface such as a table or desk. The body is stuffed with a yieldable material with said body being configured with a plurality of appendages 12 for holding a plurality of crayons or other instruments. Each appendage provides a receptacle for one crayon 14 a or two crayons 14 b. The receptacle for one crayon 14 a would be appropriate for younger children using eight large crayons. The receptacle for two crayons 14 b would be appropriate for older children using sixteen crayons.

The stuffed animal with appendages 12 could be one color or the appendages or receptacles 14 a could be color coded to match the eight colors available. One-to-one color matching activities would provide the younger child with reinforcement in color recognition.

Referring to FIG. 1, the stuffed animal could be free of writing instruments or crayons. The stuffed animal can be played with, displayed on a school desk or in a child's room, or attached to a belt, school bag, crib or other source. The appendages and receptacles are pliable and can be displayed readily, with or without crayons, on a flat surface.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of the invention with a top storage cavity 20 opened. Interlocking VELCRO strips 22 a and 22 b could be used to securely close the hollow cavity. This cavity could serve as a storage area for money, keys, sharpeners or other items selected by the child.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of the stuffed animal in preparation for attachment to a book bag, belt, crib or other source. For attachment to a crib, as a visual stimulus, the stuffed animal could be displayed without crayons. A bowtie 30, or other adornment, would be attached permanently to the front of the stuffed animal while providing an opening at the back 32 a and 32 b for temporarily attaching to a school bag or other source. The opened material strips 32 a and 32 b could be secured to the source with interlocking VELCRO attachment members.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a human arm 40 with the invention temporarily attached to the wrist or upper arm with an elastic band 42 under the stuffed figure. The stuffed figure could be worn on either arm depending on the child's tendency for right or left-handed use.

This invention is not limited to any of the particular forms or materials disclosed herein by way of example. The instrument receptacle may be designed to accommodate pens, pencils, crayons, chalk and marking devices of different sizes and shapes. The stuffed figure could be adjusted in size to accommodate the various uses. 

1. A stuffed figure comprising: a flexible body containing a yieldable stuffing material; said body containing a storage cavity and a releasable fastener for securing said cavity; and a plurality of appendages depending from said body, at least one of said appendages having a receptacle adapted to receive an instrument.
 2. A stuffed figure comprising: a head portion formed from a fabric filled with a yieldable stuffing material; said head portion containing a storage cavity accessible through an opening in said head portion; a releasable fastener for closing said opening; a plurality of appendages depending from said head portion, each of said appendages having a receptacle for holding at least one instrument.
 3. A stuffed figure comprising: a body formed from a fabric covering filled with a yieldable stuffing material; said body being comprised of a plurality of foldable panels defining s storage chamber when said panels are in a closed position; a fastener for securing said panels in a closed position, said fastener being releasable to allow said panels to be opened for access to said chamber; a plurality of appendages, each of which has receptacles for holding writing instruments.
 4. The stuffed figure of claim 1 further including an attachment member adapted to attach said figure to another item.
 5. The stuffed figure of claim 4 further including an elastic band adapted to attach said figure to a person's wrist.
 6. The stuffed figure of claim 5 wherein each of said receptacles is adapted to receive a writing instrument.
 7. The stuffed figure of claim 6 wherein said stuffed figure is configured as an animal and said appendages simulate legs of the animal. 